Din l-Art Helwa “deplores threats made by the Ta’ Cenc developers”

Update: Following Din l-Art Helwa’s press release earlier this afternoon regarding the permit for an access gate at Ta Kantra, Gozo, Dr Stanley Farrugia Randon in a clarifying statement to the press said that “during the hearing he had told those present that he been twice denied access to the beach at which point one of the Ta’ Cenc representatives called Dr Farrugia Randon a liar and warned him not to be in the area again.”

Dr Farrugia Randon added, “discussions continued even after the board decision and the police present had to accompany all out.”

Din l-Art Helwa said in a statement today that it “stands full square behind Council Member Stanley Farrugia Randon, who was subjected to bullying tactics by Ta’ Cenc developers at a MEPA hearing yesterday which ended with police intervention.”

“Dr Farrugia Randon was attending a MEPA Board hearing during which the board unanimously refused the permit for the erection of a gate at Ta’ Kantra prohibiting public access over the rocky inlet at Mgarr ix Xini, in Gozo,” DLH said.

Din l-Art Helwa added that it had objected to the application by developer Victor Borg on the grounds that the foreshore is public and access has to be guaranteed.

Din l-Art Helwa concluded that it “applauds the decision of the MEPA board to protect citizens’ rights of enjoyment of the environment, and strongly condemns the behaviour adopted by the developer.”